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Michael Colreavy TD discusses Sky deal with GAA

Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, met with representatives from the Gaelic Athletic Association at the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications today.

Speaking following the meeting, Deputy Colreavy said:

“I recognise the value of what the GAA have done in communities throughout Ireland since its foundation.

“The GAA and its players produce the highest level of sporting entertainment, year on year.

“It is only right that the best of these games be made freely available to people in Ireland and to the diaspora abroad.

“I continue to have concerns about selling the exclusive rights of even a limited number of games to a subscription television service, a system that reduces rather than increases accessibility to those fixtures.

“I have questioned whether RTE, TV3 or TG4 are technically in a position to handle all these games, and if so, would it be necessary to make an arrangement with any subscription channel.

“The Director General and President of the GAA have said that they too had uncertainties about these arrangements but overall they seek the betterment of the sport.

“However, it is understood that they would examine the position over the next three years and would analyse any lessons from it.”